Tributes have been paid to a Teesside dad killed in the Brussels terror attacks.

It was confirmed today that David Dixon, 53, who is originally from Hartlepool but was living in the Belgian capital, was among the 32 people killed when suicide bombs ripped through the airport and a Metro station on Tuesday morning. A further 270 people were injured.

A statement issued on behalf of Mr Dixon’s family today said: “This morning we received the most terrible and devastating news about our beloved David.

“At this most painful time our family would gratefully appreciate it if we could be left alone to grieve in private. Please respect our wishes.”

It is believed Mr Dixon had texted his family on Tuesday to say he wasn’t caught up in the airport bombings.

But he then boarded the underground train hit by an explosion an hour after the airport attacks.

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IT programmer Mr Dixon lived in Brussels with his partner Charlotte Sutcliffe. She had been desperately searching the city’s hospitals and appealing for information on social media since Tuesday’s attacks.

A statement from the Foreign Office said: “We can confirm David Dixon lost his life in the attacks which took place in Brussels on Tuesday, March 22.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time and our Embassy staff are continuing to support them.

“We know of seven British nationals who were injured in the attacks - three are still being treated in hospital. Our Embassy staff are working to assist all British nationals affected.”

Tributes have been paid to Mr Dixon from across the world.

On the Gazette’s Facebook page, people expressed their sadness and sympathy.

Lynn Thacker said: “Deepest sympathy being sent to Mr Dixons family back home in Teesside, xx”